The reason why overnight vegetables should not be eaten
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
The reasons why overnight vegetables should not be eaten include vitamin loss, bacterial contamination, and the formation of large amounts of nitrites. Vitamin loss occurs because vitamins are destroyed during cooking, and the longer the vegetables are stored, the more severe the nutrient depletion becomes. Bacterial contamination happens as prolonged storage promotes bacterial growth, potentially leading to harmful microorganisms such as molds. The accumulation of high levels of nitrites may cause discomfort or adverse effects when consumed.
Generally speaking, leftover vegetables should not be consumed due to reasons such as vitamin loss, bacterial contamination, and the formation of large amounts of nitrites. The specific details are as follows:
1. Vitamin loss: The fresher the vegetables, the higher their vitamin content. Vitamins are destroyed during cooking, and oxidative enzymes in vegetables also degrade vitamins. After cooked vegetables are left standing for one hour, vitamin C decreases by 10%; after two hours, the loss reaches 14%. The longer vegetables are stored, the more severe the vitamin loss becomes. Therefore, the nutritional value of vitamins in leftover meals is greatly reduced;
2. Bacterial contamination: Once vegetables are cooked, they become not only easier for the human body to digest but also more susceptible to bacterial breakdown. Prolonged storage allows bacteria to multiply, potentially leading to harmful microorganisms such as molds. Consuming such food may cause symptoms including acid reflux, heartburn, diarrhea, and fever;
3. Formation of large amounts of nitrites: Vegetables contain relatively high levels of nitrates. When cooked vegetables are stored for extended periods, bacteria break down these nitrates and reduce them into nitrites. Consuming food containing high levels of nitrites may lead to symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, patients may even develop neurological symptoms.
